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How to Grow Soft Tree Fern

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Soft Tree Fern

Dicksonia antarctica

fern

Soft tree ferns are elegant, large evergreen ferns native to southeastern Australia and Tasmania, characterized by a thick trunk-like rhizome covered in fibrous roots and a spreading crown of feathery, bipinnate fronds. They create a tropical, forest-like atmosphere in gardens and are prized for their architectural form and delicate foliage. These ferns can reach 30+ feet in height in ideal conditions, though they typically grow more slowly in cultivation.

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Example Soft Tree Fern timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Soft Tree Fern

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Soft Tree Fern

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Soft Tree Fern dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Partial shade to dappled sunlight; 2-4 hours of indirect light daily. Protect from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds. Direct sun can scorch fronds.
💧
Water: Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly, especially during establishment and dry periods. Soft tree ferns appreciate high humidity and benefit from misting in dry climates. Reduce watering slightly in winter but never allow soil to dry completely.
📏
Spacing: 48 inches
📅
Days to maturity:
🌱
Planting depth: Plant with the crown at or slightly above soil level. Do not bury the growing point. If planting a trunk piece, place with roots just below soil surface.

Soil

Type: Well-draining, humus-rich soil with high organic matter content, similar to forest floor conditions
pH: 5.5-6.5
Amendments:
Peat moss or coconut coir Composted bark Leaf mold Sand for drainage Rotted wood chips or logs

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 9-11, with protection possible in 8b. Prefers cool to mild temperate climates with consistent moisture.

8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

1-2 years

New fronds emerge slowly from the crown; the trunk begins developing aerial roots. Growth is minimal during the first 1-2 years.

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide shade and shelter from wind. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and maintain cool soil temperature. Do not fertilize heavily during establishment.

2

Early Growth

2-5 years

Fronds gradually expand and fill out; the trunk thickens as aerial roots develop. The plant slowly increases in stature.

Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Provide dappled shade. Support young plants in windy locations. Begin light fertilizing with balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

3

Maturing

5-10+ years

The crown spreads to form a full canopy of fronds; the trunk becomes more established and woody. Growth rate may accelerate slightly.

Continue regular watering and humidity management. Remove dead or damaged fronds. Mulch maintenance around the base. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring and early summer.

4

Established

10+ years, ongoing

The fern reaches a substantial size with a thick trunk and impressive crown of fronds. Growth continues slowly but steadily.

Maintain deep watering during dry spells. Protect from severe frost and strong winds. Prune only dead or diseased fronds. Fertilize sparingly; nutrient buildup can harm sensitive ferns.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hostas Hellebores Brunnera Astilbe Japanese maples Camellia Rhododendron Hydrangea Soft shield fern Lady fern Epimedium Bleeding heart

Avoid planting near:

Deep-rooted shrubs that compete for moisture Plants requiring full sun and dry conditions Aggressive spreading groundcovers Plants sensitive to high humidity

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity through misting; spray infested fronds with water to dislodge; use horticultural oil or sulfur spray if infestation persists. Isolate affected plants.

  • Remove by hand or with a soft brush; apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; ensure good air circulation. Treat early infestations promptly.

  • Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; wipe affected areas with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; increase humidity and air circulation. Monitor regularly.

  • and

    Remove by hand, especially at night; apply copper barriers around planting area; use slug pellets sparingly or diatomaceous earth; encourage natural predators.

  • Remove by hand; apply insecticidal soap for severe infestations; ensure good cultural practices to promote plant vigor.

Uses

🏠

Ornamental Landscaping

Household

Soft tree ferns are prized as dramatic focal points in shade gardens, creating a tropical or woodland aesthetic. They provide height, structure, and lush greenery to landscape designs. [source]

🦋

Wildlife Habitat & Shade Provision

Wildlife

The dense crown and moist microclimate beneath soft tree ferns provide shelter and habitat for birds, insects, and other small creatures while creating cooler microclimates in the garden. [source]

🎨

Cut Foliage for Floral Arrangements

Craft

Soft, delicate fronds are valued in floristry and floral design for their elegant, feathery appearance. Fronds hold well in arrangements and add texture and movement. [source]

💊

Traditional Uses in Australian Indigenous Medicine

Medicinal

In traditional Aboriginal medicine, certain fern species have been used historically, though Dicksonia antarctica's specific medicinal applications are limited in modern herbalism. [source]

🏠

Air Purification & Humidity Control

Household

Like many ferns, soft tree ferns contribute to air purification and naturally increase humidity levels in their vicinity, benefiting nearby plants and creating more pleasant microclimates. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Soft tree ferns are not harvested for culinary or commercial use in home gardens. Fronds can be gently removed for floral arrangements by cutting close to the trunk, but never remove more than 1-2 mature fronds at a time, as this can stress the plant. In some regions, harvesting trunk segments for propagation or transplanting requires careful removal and specialized handling.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Soft tree ferns can live for over 100 years in ideal conditions, with some specimens in botanical collections reaching ages of 200+ years, making them a long-lived investment in the landscape.
  • 🌱 The fibrous 'hair' covering the trunk is not true hair but dense, adventitious roots that the fern uses to absorb water and nutrients from humid air, allowing the fern to 'climb' in its native rainforest habitat.
  • 🌱 Dicksonia antarctica is one of the few tree ferns that can be successfully relocated or transplanted as a mature specimen, a property exploited in the horticultural trade, though this process is labor-intensive and requires expertise.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Mulch Partial Shade pH Transplant
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